Abstract: A tool (30) is disclosed for inserting insulated conductors (32) into insulation displacement contacts (34) and crimping the strain relief tabs (76) onto the insulated conductor in two stages to minimize distortion of the housing (36) containing the contacts. The tool includes an inserter (48) having a first crimping blade (70) that operates in a first crimping station (86) and a second crimping blade (88) that operates in a second crimping station (102). The inserter (48) includes an insertion blade (66) that fully inserts the insulated conductor (32) in the IDC contact (34) in the first crimping station (86) while the first crimping blade 70 rolls over and partially crimps the tabs (76) that project from the contact (34) onto the insulated conductor (32). Concurrently, the second crimping blade 88 engages the tabs (76) in the second crimping station 102 and completes the crimp to form the strain relief.

Abstract: A tool is disclosed for terminating conductors of a cable to insulation displacement contacts of terminals that are partially assembled to a connector housing. After termination of all of the terminals the assembly is removed from the tool and the entire strip of terminals is fully inserted into the connector housing and the carrier strip removed and discarded. The tool includes an insertion blade attached to a reciprocating ram for effecting the termination and a terminal strip feed mechanism. A comb mechanism is coupled to the insertion blade and interacts with camming surfaces fixed to the frame to engage and align the conductor between the insertion blade and the terminal by means of a combing action. The comb mechanism engages the conductor at a point away from the end thereof and then moves toward the end thereby moving the conductor into the desired alignment.

Abstract: A tool is disclosed for terminating conductors of a ribbon cable to insulation displacement contacts of terminals that are partially assembled to a connector housing. After termination of all of the terminals the assembly is removed from the tool and the entire strip of terminals is fully inserted into the connector housing and the carrier strip removed and discarded. The tool includes a terminal strip feed mechanism that is partially contained in the base of the tool that feeds both the strip of terminals and the ribbon cable so that it does not interfere with movement of the ribbon cable. The feed mechanism is coupled to the ram so that energy is stored during the termination stroke of the ram which is subsequently used during the return stroke to drive the feed mechanism in advancing the strip of terminals and ribbon cable into position for terminating the next conductor.

Abstract: A device for positioning a cable end and an associated connector during inductive heat soldering of the connector to the cable includes a housing having a pair of terminals connectable to a source of radio frequency (RF) current. A connector positioning section positions the connector so that a heating portion of the connector is disposed in a heating region. An electrical conductor assembly is operable to electrically connect the pair of terminals when the pair of terminals are connected to the RF current source. The conductor assembly includes a first electrically conductive contact bar immovably connected to one of the terminals. A second electrically conductive contact bar is slidable between a first position wherein the first contact bar is electrically disconnected from the other of the terminals, and a second position wherein the first contact bar is electrically connected to the other of the pair of terminals.

Abstract: A hand tool for inserting wires into insulation displacement contacts contained within a plastic connector housing is disclosed. An alignment member is provided which has a pair of camming surfaces formed on opposite sides thereof. The alignment member is attached to and moves with the insulation crimping blade and the wire insertion blade during the insertion process. The camming surfaces are arranged to engage the walls of the connector housing on either side of the contact and precisely align the contact with the insertion blade and crimping blade by moving the connector housing as needed just prior to engagement of the insertion blade and crimping blade.